Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING FLOWABILITY OF
SUPERABSORBENT POLYMERS
[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent
Application No. 63/144,137 filed on February 1, 2021, the entire contents of
which
are incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is related to mixtures of dry hydrophobic
materials with dry superabsorbent polymers to improve the flowability of the
superabsorbent polymers in dry bulk planting applications in apriculture.
BACKGROUND
[0003] With the advent of increasing temperatures and dry and drought-like
conditions, there is a need to improve the water retention ability of soils to
sustain
plant crops. Superabsorbent polymers such as the starch-based product ZEBA
sold by
UPL NA Inc. have been. used as soil conditioners and seed. coatings to keep a
constant
supply of moisture available to germinating seed, seedlings, and plants
throughout the
growing season. These polymers act like a sponge and can absorb more than 400
times
their original weight in water, forming hydrogels that slowly release moisture
back to
plants as they need it.
[0004] Unfortunately, a limitation of the super water absorbing properties of
these polymers is that they rapidly absorb water in humid conditions, which
frequently
results in fouling and clogging of the confined channels and narrow openings
in
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equipment used in the dry bulk application processes of modern agriculture.
The
issues have severely limited the usefulness of these products in agriculture.
[0005] Thus, an unmet need remains for compositions and methods to
improve the flowability of superabsorbent polymers used in dry bulk planting
applications. The present disclosure provides such compositions and methods.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one aspect, a method is provided for improving the flowability of
dry superabsorbent polymers for use in dry bulk applications in agriculture.
The
method includes mixing a dry superabsorbent polymer with a dry hydrophobic
material, which surprisingly improves the flowability of the dry
superabsorbent
polymer in humid environments, without undermining the efficacy of the polymer
in
the soil. After being applied to soil as a dry mixture, the superabsorbent
polymer is
still able to rapidly absorb moisture from rain.
[0007] In one aspect, a dry composition is provided for improving the
flowability of dry superabsorbent polymers, in particular, for use in dry bulk
applications in agriculture. The dry composition comprises a mixture of a
superabsorbent polymer and a hydrophobic material. Examples of the
superabsorbent
polymer include, but are not limited to, starch-based polymers, starch-g-poly
(2-
propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid), xanthan gum, guar gum,
hydroxyethylcarboxymethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylamides,
and
derivatives and combinations thereof. Examples of the hydrophobic material
include,
but are not limited to, i) combinations of protein powder and lipid, ii)
micronized
powders, iii) micronized waxes, iv) fumed silica, v) treated clay particles,
and
combinations thereof.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates auguring of a dry composition of the present
disclosure from a hopper box through a confined channel delivery tube in an
experiment conducted under very humid conditions in the springtime in which
the dry
composition was applied to the roots of pine seedlings at planting.
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates the dry composition present a hopper box in the
experiraeni of FIG. I.
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates the dry composition being applied to a newly
trenched furrow in the experiment of FIG. I and showing that the composition
has not
picked up significant moisiure.
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates the dry composition being applied in a furrow in the
experiment of FIG. I.
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting one or more methods disclosed
herein.
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary imagery of the combined mixture
according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of
the present disclosure, reference will now be made to preferred embodiments
and
specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be
understood
that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such
alteration
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and further modifications of the disclosure as illustrated herein, being
contemplated
as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure
relates.
[0015] Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms "a," "an,"
and "the" refer to "one or more" when used in this application, including the
claims.
Thus, for example, reference to "a dry composition" includes a plurality of
dry
compositions, unless the context clearly is to the contrary, and so forth.
[0016] Throughout this specification and the claims, the terms "comprise,"
"comprises," and "comprising" are used in a non-exclusive sense, except where
the
context requires otherwise. Likewise, the terms "having" and "including" and
their
grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of
items in
a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or
added to the
listed items.
[0017] The present disclosure provides dry compositions and methods for
improving the flowability of superabsorbent polymers in dry bulk planting
applications in agriculture in both dry and very humid conditions. For
example, dry
amendments applied in agriculture are frequently placed in the seed furrow or
in
similar applications to the soil. These types of applications to the soil
often involve
the use of metering boxes, hopper boxes, delivery tubes, spray tubes,
pneumatic
distributors, air spreaders, air booms, air attachments, and the like, which
require the
dry amendment being applied to pass through confined channels and narrow
pores.
Such dry bulk application is often problematic because the superabsorbent
polymers rapidly absorb moisture from the environment and adhere to the
planting equipment causing fouling and clogging. The compositions and methods
of the present disclosure can enhance the plantability and application of
super water
or moisture holding dry materials in agriculture.
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[0018] Disclosed herein is an unexpected discovery that certain hydrophobic
materials when mixed with superabsorbent polymers, such as starch-based
product
ZEBA, can drastically improve flowability through dry bulk application systems
even
in high humidity environments. The surprising effect of the mixture was the
inhibition
of moisture retention by the superabsorbent polymer. The mixture did more than
was
expected. For example, it was initially thought the combination would just
cause the
superabsorbent polymer to flow a hit faster, but still end up sticking to
equipment
upon exposure to inoisture. The unexpected finding was that after mixing with
the
hydrophobic materials, the superabsorbent polymer was capable of being metered
and
dosed into soil by way of dry bulk handling equipment under humid planting
conditions without undermining the efficacy of the polymer in the soil. After
being
applied to the soil as a dry mixture, the superabsorbent polymer was still
able to
rapidly absorb moisture following the first rain.
[0019] Other superabsorbent polymers may be used. Additionally, other
compounds or materials such as Zeolite hyaluronic acid, (humic acid,
Chitin/chitosan
polymers, volcanic earth and ash, kelp and sea weed powders, etc. may be used
for
similar purposes mentioned in this invention.
[0020] A specific example of the dry compositions and methods disclosed
herein for improving the flowability of superabsorbent polymers is described
in the
experiment in Example 1. The experiment was undertaken to determine whether
a hydrophobic material could be combined with a superabsorbent polymer starch-
g-poly (2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid) sold as "ZEBA" by UPL NA Inc to
allow its use in dry bulk handling equipment under humid planting conditions
in the
springtime in Florida. Typically, this would not be possible with
SUPERABSORBENT POLYMER, as the superabsorbent polymer product
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would adhere to the planting equipment in the humid conditions causing fouling
and clogging and preventing application.
[0021] In the experiment, the dry hydrophobic material was the product
"DUST" sold by the company Low Mu Tech. DUST was mixed at a ratio of 1 part
DUST with 30 parts superabsorbent polymer. DUST is a formulation of protein
powder and lipid that is marketed for improving seed flowability. The
photographs in
Figures 1-4 illustrate the dry bulk handling equipment that was used under the
very
humid planting conditions. The combination of hydrophobic material and
superabsorbent polymer resulted in a dry mixture that was resistant to picking
up
moisture during the planting process and did not adhere to, clog, or foul the
planting
equipment. Without being limited to any one mechanism of action, the mixture
can
result in mitigating both static cling and product bridging from the
superabsorbent
polymer product, thus improving the ability of the product to flow to through
confined
channels and narrow openings in dry to very humid environments.
[0022] The superabsorbent polymers of the present disclosure include, but are
not limited to, starch-based polymers, starch-g-poly (2-propenamide-co-2-
propenoic acid), xanthan gum, guar gum, hydroxyethylcarboxymethylcellulose,
carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylamides, and derivatives and combinations
thereof.
[0023] Other superabsorbent polymers may be used. Additionally, other
compounds or materials such as Zeolite hyaluronic acid, (humic acid,
Chitin/chitosan
polymers, volcanic earth and ash, kelp and sea weed powders, etc. may be used
for
similar purposes mentioned in this invention.
[0024] The hydrophobic materials of the present disclosure include flow aid
compositions such as, but not limited to, compositions comprising a protein
powder
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and a lipid, micronized powders, micronized waxes, fumed silica, and treated
clay
particles.
[0025] The compositions of the present disclosure comprising a protein
powder and a lipid include: a protein powder including, but not limited to, a
soy
protein powder, a corn protein powder, an oat protein powder, a wheat protein
powder,
a pea protein powder, a rice protein powder, a nut protein powder, an algal
protein
powder, a kelp protein powder, a whey protein powder, a casein protein powder,
an
egg protein powder, an albumen protein powder, a blood meal protein powder, a
bone
meal protein powder, a fish protein powder, a shellfish protein powder, a
plankton
protein powder, a yeast protein powder, a bacterial protein powder, or a
combination
thereof; and a lipid including, but not limited to, a lecithin, a soy
lecithin, a vegetable
oil, a fish oil, an animal fat, or a combination thereof.
[0026] The micronized powders and micronized waxes of the present
disclosure include, but are not limited to, bran wax, Oryza sativa bran wax,
carnauba
wax and aluminum oxide, poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), and
combinations thereof.
[0027] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a dry composition is provided
for improving the flowability of superabsorbent polymers, the composition
comprising a mixture of a dry superabsorbent polymer of the present disclosure
and a
dry hydrophobic material of the present disclosure. The dry composition can be
stored
in dry conditions free from rrioisture,
[0028] In one aspect, a dry composition is provided for improving the
flowability of superabsorbent polymers, the dry composition comprising a
mixture of
a dry superabsorbent polymer and a dry hydrophobic material at a weight ratio
of the
superabsorbent polymer to the hydrophobic material ranging from 100:1 to
1:1000
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[0029] In one aspect, a dry composition is provided comprising a mixture of
a dry superabsorbent polymer and a dry hydrophobic material at a weight ratio
of the
superabsorbent polymer to the hydrophobic material ranging from 1:50 to 1:200.
[0030] In one aspect, a method is provided for improving the flowability of a
dry composition of a superabsorbent polymer in an agricultural environment. As
an
example, the environment may be in a planting scenario where the
superabsorbent
polymer is being added to a furrow or other planting site in order to provide
concentrated moisture for seed germination. The method may include mixing a
dry
superabsorbent polymer of the present disclosure with a dry hydrophobic
material of
the present disclosure. The dry hydrophobic material can include a protein
powder
and a lipid, ii) a micronized powder, iii) a micronized wax, iv) fumed silica,
v) treated
clay particles and combinations thereof.
[0031] Accordingly, while the methods and systems have been described in
reference to specific embodiments, features, and illustrative embodiments, it
will be
appreciated that the utility of the subject matter is not thus limited, but
rather extends
to and encompasses numerous other variations, modifications and alternative
embodiments, as will suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the
field of the
present subject matter, based on the disclosure herein.
[0032] Various combinations and sub-combinations of the structures and
features described herein are contemplated and will be apparent to a skilled
person
having knowledge of this disclosure. Any of the various features and elements
as
disclosed herein may be combined with one or more other disclosed features and
elements unless indicated to the contrary herein. Correspondingly, the subject
matter
as hereinafter claimed is intended to be broadly construed and interpreted, as
including
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all such variations, modifications and alternative embodiments, within its
scope and
including equivalents of the claims.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Improved flowability of ZEBA using dry bulk application during high humidity
periods
[0033] An experiment was performed to test whether the combination of the
product hydrophobic material (Low Mu Tech) with the product ZEB A (UPL NA Inc)
would improve the flowability of superabsorbent polymer in the dry bulk
application
equipment under very humid conditions.
[0034] The superabsorbent polymer is made up of superabsorbent polymer
starch-g-poly (2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid and hydrophobic material
contains a combination of a soy protein and soy lipid. The two dry powder
compositions were mixed at a ratio of 30:1 superabsorbent pol,,,Tner (in this
instance
ZEB A) to hydrophobic material and this mixture was used in the planting
experiment.
The images in Figures 1-4 illustrate the dry bulk handling equipment that was
used to
apply the mixture under very humid planting conditions.
[00351 The results were unexpected. The addition of hydrophobic material
prevented the superabsorbent polymer from attracting moisture. It was
initially
thought that the superabsorbent polymer would simply flow a bit faster, but
still end
up sticking to equipment due to its reaction when exposed to moisture.
Instead, the
surprising discovery was that the combined mixture was now capable of being
metered and dosed into soil by way of dry bulk handling equipment, even in the
humid planting conditions. An improved ability to flow to through confined
channels
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and narrow openings was observed for the superabsorbent polymer-hydrophobic
material mixture in the very humid environment. Without being limited to any
one
mechanism of action, both static cling and product bridging were mitigated or
eliminated in the superabsorbent polymer mixture. An additional surprising
result was
that the efficacy of the superabsorbent polymer was not undermined in the
soil. The
superabsorbent polymer-hydrophobic material mixture was still able to rapidly
absorb
moisture following the first rain.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates auguring of dry superabsorbent polymer mixture
from. a hopper box through a confined channel delivery tube in an experiment
conducted in Florida under very humid conditions in the springtime in which
the dry
mixture was applied to the roots of pine seedlings at planting.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates the dry superabsorbent polymer mixture present a
hopper box in an experiment conducted in Florida under very humid conditions
in the
springtime.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates the dry superabsorbent polymer-hydrophobic
material mixture being applied to a newly trenched furrow in an experiment
conducted
in Florida under very humid conditions in the springtime and showing that the
mixture
has not picked up significant moisture.
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates the dry superabsorbent polymer-hydrophobic
material mixture being applied in a furrow in an experiment conducted in
Florida
under very humid conditions in the springtime.
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a mixed concentration and
construction of the superabsorbent and hydrophobic material. The mixture may
be
made from a method generally illustrated through the flow chart in FIG. 6.
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[0041] The method may include improving the flowability of a dry
superabsorbent polymer for use in an agricultural environment. The
agricultural
environment may be within a machine at site application where the materials
are
mixed immediately before residency in the machine for application to a trench
or
furrow site. The environment may also be somewhere external to the planting
site,
where the materials are pre-mixed for sale or use by a farming entity. The
materials
may also be mixed with seed, or other nutrients or additives.
[0042] The method may include mixing a dry superabsorbent polymer with a
dry hydrophobic material. In experimentation, the mixing improves the
flowability
of the dry superabsorbent polymer.
[0043] In one or more embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer includes one
or a combination of starch-based polymers, starch-g-poly (2-propenamide-co-2-
propenoic acid), xanthan gum, guar gum, hydroxyethylcarboxymethylcellulose,
carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylamides, and derivatives thereof.
[0044] Other superabsorbent polymers may be used. Additionally, other
compounds or materials such as Zeolite hyaluronic acid, (humic acid,
Chitin/chitosan
polymers, volcanic earth and ash, kelp and sea weed powders, etc. may be used
for
similar purposes mentioned in this invention.
[0045] In one or more embodiments, the hydrophobic material includes: i) a
protein powder and a lipid, a micronized powder, iii) a micronized wax, iv)
fumed
silica, or v) treated clay particles, and combinations thereof.
[0046] In one or more embodiments, the protein powder and the lipid include
one or a combination of a soy protein powder, a corn protein powder, an oat
protein
powder, a wheat protein powder, a pea protein powder, a rice protein powder, a
nut
protein powder, an algal protein powder, a kelp protein powder, a whey protein
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powder, a casein protein powder, an egg protein powder, an albumen protein
powder,
a blood meal protein powder, a bone meal protein powder, a fish protein
powder, a
shellfish protein powder, a plankton protein powder, a yeast protein powder, a
bacterial protein powder, a lecithin, a soy lecithin, a vegetable oil, a fish
oil, and an
animal fat.
[0047] In one or more embodiments, wherein the micronized powder or
micronized wax comprises one or a combination of bran wax, Oryza sativa bran
wax,
carnauba wax and aluminum oxide, and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate).
[0048] In one or more embodiments, the mixing is at a weight ratio of the
superabsorbent polymer to the hydrophobic material ranging from 100:1 to
1:1000.
[0049] In one or more embodiments, the mixing is at a weight ratio of the
superabsorbent polymer to the hydrophobic material ranging from 1:50 to 1:200.
[0050] Additional experimentation follows:
LP21007 Zeba and SpeedFLOW (Hydrophobic) Ratio
[0051] The purpose of this experiment was to try various ratios of Zeba +
SpeedFLOW to determine an optimal combination for ensuring the mixture would
be
flowable without hindering the absorption of water. Samples were made that had
various ratios of SpeedFLOW + Zeba. The ratios were as follows:
Zeba by itself
Entry #1 = 1:30
Entry #2 = 1:20
Entry #3 = 1:70
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[0052] 100g of each of the entries were weighed out into identical containers.
These containers were left on the lab bench ambient at approximately 25C. 20g
of
water was added to each container at the same time. The samples were observed:
= When water was added side-by-side to Entry#2 and Entry#3, Entry#2
allowed for the water to be poured faster into the sample than Entry#3
= When water was added side-by-size to Zeba and Entry#1, Entry#1 seemed so
absorb the water faster where as the Zeba had the water bead up on top of the
sample
[0053] Conclusion: The samples that had SpeedFLOW had the water
penetrate deeper into the samples. The samples that had SpeedFLOW also seemed
to
absorb water slightly faster.
[0054] 2g of each of the entries were weighed out into identical containers.
These containers were left on the lab bench ambient at approximately 25C. 100g
of
water was added to each container at the same time. The samples were observed:
= After 1 minute, the samples were all absorbing water
= After 5 minutes, the samples were all a consistency similar to apple
sauce
= After 8 minutes, the Zeba and Entry#3 samples were a Jell-O consistency,
Entry#1 and Entry#2 were the consistency of apple sauce
= After 20 minutes, the Zeba and Entry#3 samples were a Jell-O consistency,
Entry#1 and Entry#2 were the consistency of apple sauce
= After 45 minutes, all of the samples were a similar consistency of Jell-
0/apple sauce
= After 50 minutes, all of the samples were a similar consistency of Jell-
0/apple sauce
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[0055] Conclusion: The samples that had SpeedFLOW did not hinder the
water uptake speed or the amount of water that could be absorbed by the
sample.
[0056] Samples of each of the entries were put into the freezer and left there
for 1.5 days. These samples were taken out of the freezer and 2g of each of
these
samples were weighed out into identical containers. These containers were
brought
into a sealed tent that had been brought up to 99% humidity using a
humidifier. 120g
of water was added to each sample at the same time as soon as the samples were
brought into the tent. The samples were very hard to see due to how smoky the
tent
was from the humidifier keeping the tent at that humidity. Due to the
difficulty seeing
the samples, few photos were taken. However, videos were taken periodically
showing the samples being lightly shaken to show the consistency of the
samples. The
samples were then left in the humid tent for approximately 2 hours and the
samples
were observed:
= After 1 minute all entries were liquid
= After 5 minutes Entry#1 was apple sauce, Entries #2 and #3 were watery
apple sauce, Zeba was liquid
= After 18 minutes Entry#1 was apple sauce, Entries #2 and #3 were watery
apple sauce, Zeba was liquid
= After 21 minutes Entries 1 - 3 were apple sauce, Zeba was liquidy but
getting
the consistency of apple sauce or Jell-O at the bottom
= After 28 minutes Entries 1-3 are apple sauce and Zeba is watery apple
sauce
= After 33 Minutes Entries 1-3 are apple sauce and Zeba is watery apple
sauce
= After 1 hour 17 minutes all samples were apple sauce
= After 2 Hours 8 Minutes all Samples are apple sauce/Jell-0
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[0057] The samples were then left ambient on the lab bench at approximately
25C overnight to see if there would be any noticeable changes in the samples.
There
were no noticeable changes in the samples. They did not appear to change in
consistency overnight. There were no temperature changes. The viscosities of
the
samples after being left on the lab bench overnight were as follows:
Zeba: 3120 cPs
Entry#1 (SpeedFlow: Zeba @ 1:30) = 3670 cPs
Entry#2 (SpeedFlow: Zeba @ 1:20) = 4560 cPs
Entry#3 (SpeedFlow: Zeba @ 1:70) = 3600 cPs
[0058] Conclusion: The samples that had SpeedFLOW did not hinder the
water uptake speed or the amount of water that could be absorbed by the
sample. The
samples with more SpeedFLOW seemed to absorb the water slightly faster than
the
Zeba by itself or the entry with a ratio of 1:70 of SpeedFLOW:Zeba when the
samples
are taken from a cold environment and then put into a high humidity
environment. It
is possible that the Zeba clings to itself, hindering water absorption.
[0059] lg of each of the entries were weighed out into identical containers.
These were the ambient samples. The containers were brought into a sealed tent
that
was brought up to 90% humidity. The containers were left in the sealed tent
for 1
minute. After 1 minute, 100g of water was added to each sample at the same
time.
The samples were brought out of the tent and put onto the lab bench at
approximately
25C. The samples were observed and photographed using the Tagarno microscope
auto-photo feature for approximately 1 hour:
= After 1 minute all entries were liquid
= After 30 minutes, all of the samples were the consistency of apple sauce
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= After 1 hour, all of the samples were the consistency of apple sauce
[0060] Conclusion: The samples that had SpeedFLOW did not hinder the
water uptake speed or the amount of water that could be absorbed by the
sample. The
samples with speedflow seemed to have more even distribution.
[0061] Note: The Speedflow did have a tendency to settle out. The product
will need to be mixed before application. The product has a tendency to settle
during
shipping.
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